Liverpool star Darwin Nunez scored the opening goal for Liverpool in their Champions League last-16 first leg against Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday.
The hosts had a strong start to the game and capitalized on it after only four minutes to grab the lead against their 2021-22 final opponents.
Mohamed Salah received the ball on the right flank and used the space created by David Alaba to cut inside and thread a pass into the area.
Nunez met the pass with a well timed run and then finished boldly by flicking the ball past Thibaut Courtois, who went the wrong way.
LIVERPOOL HAVE LIFT-OFF! đ„
That is just cheeky from Darwin NĂșñez! đ#UCL pic.twitter.com/spapaQcfbZ
â Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 21, 2023
Nunez was a doubt for the game after suffering a shoulder injury against Newcastle United the previous weekend, but he recovered in time to be named to the starting Lineup.
Liverpool are out for vengeance on Real Madrid after losing to them in the final last season, when Vinicius Junior scored the game’s only goal in Paris.
That game was overshadowed by UEFA’s massive shortcomings, which resulted in supporters being trapped, crushed, and pepper-sprayed outside the stadium as they attempted to enter, leading kickoff to be delayed.
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The Anfield fans made their feelings about UEFA obvious before kickoff, with boos drowning out the governing body’s song.
Nunez’s goal set the tone for an explosive opening half, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois giving Liverpool a second goal in the 14th minute with a breathtakingly weak touch into the path of Mohamed Salah before Vinicius Junior brought his team back in with two consecutive goals.
It’s anyone’s guess how this two-leg contest will play out, but early indicators suggest that Real Madrid’s penchant for dramatic knockout encounters hasn’t faded this year.
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